Central Virginia leaders say local water systems are functioning, prepared for winter weather
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- As Central Virginia braces for another round of snow, leaders across the region assure the community that the region's aging infrastructure is prepared for any winter weather thrown its way. Crews have been working around the clock to make sure water main breaks are fixed and systems are equipped for this weekend. So, ahead of the anticipated "arctic blast," 8News is breaking down how different localities are preparing, especially in the wake of the recent water crisis. Despite a hectic couple of weeks surrounding a malfunctioning water treatment facility, Richmond officials told 8News that everything is in order going into this weekend. They're keeping all the extra protections that were in place last week, plus additional safeguards. Software consultants, the Virginia Department of Health and additional engineers will be on site all weekend. Plus, the city confirmed it has installed a new backup battery and is now enforcing hourly inspections at the treatment facility. As of Friday evening, the reservoir is as full as officials had hoped it would be going into the weekend, sitting above 18 feet. Meanwhile, Goochland County said it has been testing systems and preparing generators all week long. Its emergency response teams have bottled water ready to distribute in case anything happens. Hanover County has backup resources from a Doswell treatment facility on standby. Henrico County leaders previously told 8News that they also feel confident heading into the weekend. "We've learned a lot from the last event," Henrico County's Department of Public Utilities director Bentley Chan said. "All of our tanks are filled and we are ready to cut off the supply from the city and isolate our system. And we think that, with our efforts and with our storage, we can maintain our system and service to our residents for at least 24 hours." Henrico leaders also said that communication with the City of Richmond has been a lot stronger than it was a week ago. The two localities have had two meetings a day with Richmond utilities officials to stay on the same page.
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- As Central Virginia braces for another round of snow, leaders across the region assure the community that the region's aging infrastructure is prepared for any winter weather thrown its way.
Crews have been working around the clock to make sure water main breaks are fixed and systems are equipped for this weekend.
So, ahead of the anticipated "arctic blast," 8News is breaking down how different localities are preparing, especially in the wake of the recent water crisis.
Despite a hectic couple of weeks surrounding a malfunctioning water treatment facility, Richmond officials told 8News that everything is in order going into this weekend. They're keeping all the extra protections that were in place last week, plus additional safeguards.
Software consultants, the Virginia Department of Health and additional engineers will be on site all weekend. Plus, the city confirmed it has installed a new backup battery and is now enforcing hourly inspections at the treatment facility. As of Friday evening, the reservoir is as full as officials had hoped it would be going into the weekend, sitting above 18 feet.
Meanwhile, Goochland County said it has been testing systems and preparing generators all week long. Its emergency response teams have bottled water ready to distribute in case anything happens.
Hanover County has backup resources from a Doswell treatment facility on standby.
Henrico County leaders previously told 8News that they also feel confident heading into the weekend.
"We've learned a lot from the last event," Henrico County's Department of Public Utilities director Bentley Chan said. "All of our tanks are filled and we are ready to cut off the supply from the city and isolate our system. And we think that, with our efforts and with our storage, we can maintain our system and service to our residents for at least 24 hours."
Henrico leaders also said that communication with the City of Richmond has been a lot stronger than it was a week ago. The two localities have had two meetings a day with Richmond utilities officials to stay on the same page.
